If you got a vision for the future you can pull through all sorts of tough times.”

When evil raises its ugly head, good men have to make things right. And if you see yourself as a good man, then it’s up to you.”
                    –B.N. Rundell  (The Trail to Redemption)

       “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
                    –1 Timothy 6:18-19(NKJV)
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               “But the fruit of the Spirit is…goodness….  Against such there is no law.”
                              –Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

     Donald Gee, the great Scottish pastor wrote, “The fruit of the Spirit is the direct result of the life of Christ ministered to the believer by the Spirit…  Loss of communion is the explanation of most of our failure in spiritual fruit-bearing, and no amount of Christian work, or even exercise of spiritual gifts, can ever be a substitute for walking with God.  It is encouraging to remember that sustained communion with Christ is our daily walk that produces the fruit of the Spirit unconsciously.”  With that in mind and my factious statement yesterday regarding goodness, let’s take a look at the New Testament fruit of the Spirit–goodness.
     The Greek word is “agathosune,” which has the following meanings:
            1)  virtue
            2)  good in character or constitution
            3)  morally honorable, pleasing to God and therefore beneficial
“In modern usage the word that best seems to denote that true, robust goodness which is a fruit of the Spirit is the word ‘sound.’  By sound people we intend to convey the thought of qualities of character, rather than of gift.  What we particularly have in mind is that they have a well-proportioned personality, are dependable, have a thoroughly honest character, and make excellent company in all the ordinary walks of life.” (Gee)  So stop right there.  Are you a “good” person?  Do you consider yourself “good”?  Ponder that for a moment.  Dr. Zenas Bicket goes on to state, “Goodness in a man also depends on a proper understanding of his role in God’s creation and kingdom.  Something is good if it fulfills the purpose for which it was made.”  So let me ask again–are you “good”?  Are you fulfilling your role in the kingdom of God?
     First of all, let me state emphatically that goodness isn’t always doing, going, acting upon.  Often goodness is passive.  Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth…” (Matthew 5:13, NKJV).  Salt has a silent preservative effect.  Often you cannot tell if salt is present unless you taste it.  In the preservation process, salt is not observed, but it continues to deepen the object with saltiness.  When the Church is removed what will there be to preserve those around?  “Society is corrupt through sin.  The only thing that prevents utter demoralization is the, at times, almost unrecognized existence of God’s church in the world.”  The “salty” people, those who quietly, steadily go through life letting the Spirit control them.
     However, there is also active goodness.  Goodness is the practical aspect of true religion.  
               “The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.” (Matthew 12:35, NASB)
               “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  (Matthew 5:16, NASB)
               “So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”  (Colossians 1:10, NASB)
               “This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds.  These things are good and profitable for men.”  (Titus 3:8, NASB)
               “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”  (1 Peter 2:12, NIV 1978)  The NASB, “Keep your behavior excellent…”
Therefore, we see that goodness is a vital, important characteristic of the Christian life and walk.  I have already mentioned that goodness is to the Christian what savor is to salt.  Goodness then is passive and active as a testimony to neighbors and work associates.  Goodness is part of that characteristic that is seen whether you realize it or not.  It is part of your lifestyle; that is why a constant walk in the Spirit is necessary.  Not only should we practice goodness; goodness should be habitual and a very part of our being.  I used to refer to colleagues, parents, and students simply by the phrase, “You’re a good one!”  When saying that I have noticed that their life portrays goodness.

               “Do all the good you can,
               By all the means you can,
               In all the ways you can,
               In all the places you can,
               At all the times you can,
               To all the people you can,
               As long as ever you can.”
                         –John Wesley

In part I looked toward the setting sun because terror may ride with beauty, and a man needs to milk his hours of the precious things. To ride fast, to travel far, these were empty things unless a man took the time to savor, to taste, to love, to simply be.”
                    –Louis L’Amour  (The Proving Trail)

       “For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.”